Pulp Fiction Cocktail Recipe

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Pulp Fiction Nutrition Facts

Calories:200

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:15g

Alcohol %:20

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: January 7, 2024

History

The Pulp Fiction cocktail is a modern creation, inspired by the iconic movie directed by Quentin Tarantino. It's a cocktail that would appeal to those who enjoy a balance of sweet and sour flavors, with a hint of bitterness. The cocktail is as complex and layered as the movie itself, making it a favorite among film buffs and cocktail enthusiasts alike.

How Pulp Fiction Tastes?

The Pulp Fiction cocktail is a delightful mix of sweet, sour, and bitter flavors. The bourbon provides a strong, robust base, while the lemon juice adds a refreshing sour note. The maple syrup brings a natural sweetness that balances the sourness, and the bitters add a complex layer of flavor.

Interesting facts about Pulp Fiction

  • The Pulp Fiction cocktail is named after the 1994 Quentin Tarantino film.

  • Despite its name, the cocktail does not feature in the movie.

  • The cocktail is typically served in a rocks glass, over ice.

Ingredients

Bourbon

Bourbon is the soul of this cocktail. Being the base spirit, it provides rich, warm notes and a touch of vanilla and caramel, which are excellent dance partners for the sharper ingredients. Not enough and the drink becomes too tart; too much and you'll monopolize the flavors, leaving no room for complexity. If you're feeling rebellious, swap it out for rye whiskey for a spicier kick.

Mary Mitkina

Lemon Juice

Fresh squeezed lemon juice is the zing, the tang, the oh-so-necessary acidic counterpart to the bourbon's sweetness. It makes the flavor profile of our "Pulp Fiction" truly come alive. Forget it, and you'll be sipping on a cloying, unbalanced potion. A lime could take its place but would bring a slightly different type of sharpness to the party.

Emma Rose

Maple Syrup

Here's the twist—maple syrup, as sweet as a romantic flick but with more depth. It's our natural sweetener that balances the acidity of the lemon and the bite of the bourbon. Without it, you're left with a drink that's too sour and bold, as if life's sweetness was forgotten. Honey or agave syrup could be interesting substitutes, offering different types of sweetness.

Alex Green

Angostura Bitters

The spice that makes everything nice. Those two dashes of Angostura bitters bring a complex bouquet of flavors to each sip, with hints of tamarind, cinnamon, and clove. If omitted, the cocktail might lose some of its multifaceted character. If Angostura is not available, other aromatic bitters can be an adventurous alternative to tinker with.

Mary Mitkina

Recipe. How to make Pulp Fiction Drink

  1. Fill a shaker with ice.

  2. Add the bourbon, lemon juice, maple syrup, and bitters.

  3. Shake well until chilled.

  4. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.

  5. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Pro Tips

Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.

  • Chill your glass before serving for an extra refreshing cocktail.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

  • Grilled Meats: The bold flavor of bourbon pairs well with the charred, smoky flavors from grilled beef or pork.
  • Barbecue: The smoky sweetness of the maple syrup harmonizes with the richness of barbecue sauce-glazed meats.
  • Sharp Cheese: Consider pairing this cocktail with aged cheddar or gouda, whose sharpness will balance the sweetness of the maple syrup.
  • Chocolate Desserts: The bourbon and the bitter notes of the cocktail can complement the complexity of dark chocolate.

Drink Pairings

  • Coffee: After enjoying the cocktail, a robust coffee can cleanse the palate.
  • Sparkling Water: To refresh between sips, sparkling water is a neutral palate cleanser.

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What you could change in Pulp Fiction

Bourbon can be replaced with rye whiskey for a spicier flavor.

  • Maple syrup can be replaced with honey for a different kind of sweetness.

Explore all drinks starting with P here

And of course - twists🍹

Honeyed Fiction

  • Replace maple syrup with honey.- Add a splash of ginger beer for a fizzy kick. The honey provides a floral sweetness, diverging from the woodsy notes of maple syrup, while the ginger beer introduces a vivacious fizz and a punch of spice. It's like going from a tranquil forest to a bustling marketplace in one sip.

Smoked Pulp Fiction

  • Infuse bourbon with hickory or applewood smoke.- Use a smoked salt rim on the glass. This smoky version transports the original recipe to a misty evening by a crackling bonfire. Expect deeper layers of flavor, with each smoky sip conjuring images of old leather-bound books and autumnal bonfires.

Orchard Twist

  • Use apple bourbon if available, or add a touch of apple cider.- Replace lemon juice with apple cider vinegar.- Garnish with a thin apple slice. This twist harvests the essence of an orchard in fall. The apple elements introduce a crisp tartness and fruity nuance that interplay delightfully with the traditional flavors, creating a harmonious blend of old and new.

In case you forgot basics how to make Pulp Fiction

Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.

Learn everything on how to shake

Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.

Learn everything on how to strain

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Pulp Fiction

What is the best bourbon to use for this cocktail?

Any high quality bourbon will work. However, Maker's Mark or Four Roses are popular choices.

What if I can't find Angostura Bitters?

You can substitute other bitters you have available, though it might slightly change the flavor of the cocktail.

Why is shaking the cocktail important?

Shaking the cocktail helps mix all the ingredients together and chill the drink quickly.

Can I make this cocktail alcohol free?

You can replace the bourbon with a non-alcoholic substitute like ginger ale, but this will significantly change the taste of the cocktail.

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